SAILING IN THE INDIAN OCEAN
As a sailing destination the Indian Ocean is without doubt one of the few remaining areas in the world that is still relatively uncommercialised and largely unaffected by mass tourism. A breathtaking paradise is barely sufficient to describe the porcelain white beaches, shimmering aquamarine waters and idyllic way of life associated with the Indian Ocean. Watersport lovers will be in their element in the clear warm waters home to unbeatable diving, legendary game fishing and reefs of rainbow-coloured fish. Mouth-watering seafood and sophisticated cuisine draw on the melting pot of historical influences which are very much part of the local culture.
The Indian Ocean has been one of the most important arenas of commercial and cultural interaction from ancient times to the present. For the many inhabitants of the shore line, the Ocean provided not only a sailing challenge, but also a busy corridor channelling crops, people and ideas between Asia, the near east and Africa. Kings and princes from three continents sought to exploit its wealth; imperial expeditions from China, India and Portugal in early modern times gave way to Dutch, British and French empire builders. The Indian Ocean’s pearl-divers, pirates and religious pilgrims provided a rich source of folklore for Arabia, East Africa and South Asia and musical, architectural, and philosophical ideas spread throughout the Indian Ocean world creating the diverse and unique heritage that has shaped the culture of today.
Indian Ocean
SAILING DESTINATION GUIDE EXOTIC
INTRODUCTION TO THE INDIAN OCEAN AND THE SOUTH PACIFIC
The Indian Ocean, as a sailing destination, is without doubt one of the few remaining areas in the world that is still relatively uncommercialised and largely unaffected by mass tourism. A breathtaking paradise is barely sufficient to describe the porcelain white beaches, shimmering aquamarine waters and idyllic way of life associated with the Indian Ocean. Watersport lovers will be in their element in the clear warm waters home to unbeatable diving, legendary game fishing and reefs of rainbow-coloured fish. Mouth-watering seafood and sophisticated cuisine draw on the melting pot of historical influences which are very much part of the local culture.
The South Pacific contains the majority of the Pacific’s 25,000 islands (more than the total number in the rest of the world's oceans combined). Collectively called Oceania, the islands are split into three main groups: Melanesia (black islands) – including New Guinea and Fiji, Micronesia (small islands) – including Guam, and Polynesia (many islands) – including New Zealand, Hawaii and French Polynesia to name but a few.
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Sailing Conditions...
- Tide range 2-3 m
- November to April is sunny and dry with calm winds
- May to October more windy
Local Information...
- Currency - Thai Baht
- Language - Thai
- Time Zone - GMT + 7
Local Activities...
- Scuba diving
- Deep sea fishing
ABOUT THAILAND
The Kingdom of Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles. From the cosmopolitan mix of Bangkok to the indigenous hill tribes found in remote regions, a peaceful, joyful spirit surrounds every aspect of the Thai way of life.
During a visit to Thailand you are likely to notice that the Buddhist monks are highly respected and revered members of Thai communities. They have special areas reserved for them at airports and on buses, and receive alms from the public as a sign of giving and devotion. Thailand is one of the strongest Buddhist countries in the world, and peace, generosity, tolerance and the search for enlightenment all mean that daily life is approached with happiness, respect and a calm nature. One of the key ways of maintaining this state of mind is through meditation, so why not cast off the trials and tribulations of the modern world and have a go? Even visitors not interested in religious aspects can enjoy an introduction at many centres across the country.
Thai beaches are world famous and it’s little wonder. From the luxurious sands to the inviting ocean waters and the stunning scenery that frames it all, you'll find coastal Thailand irresistibly perfect with a surprise around every corner. Thailand has literally thousands of miles of beaches of every conceivable variety. Whether you want somewhere packed and lively to party, remote and tranquil to reflect or just to lie undisturbed and soak up the sun, there's a beach for everyone.
The climate of Thailand is tropical, with an average annual temperature of 28°C and high humidity. It can get very hot in the Central Plains and south, but is cooler in the northern hills. Overall the best time to visit is November to March when days are mostly dry and the humidity lower, although Koh Samui is best from June to September.
The traditional lifestyle of Thailand has survived for centuries almost unchanged, a sign of the peace and calmness that many Thai people enjoy. This lifestyle can easily be seen wherever you travel to - it's all part of a normal way of life that translates into the warmest of welcomes for any visitor.
Indian Ocean - Thailand
Useful Information
Sailing Conditions...
- Tide range 2-3 m
- November to April is sunny and dry with calm winds
- May to October more windy
Local Information...
- Currency - Ringgit
- Language - Malay
- Time Zone - GMT + 8
Local Activities...
- Princess Mahsuri's tomb
- Langkawi cable car
ABOUT MALAYSIA
Strategically located between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, Malaysia has long been the meeting place for traders and travellers from west and east. Made up of 13 states, Malaysia is one of the most pleasant, hassle-free countries to visit in southeast Asia. A fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous customs has created the unique culture of today.
This melting pot of cultures has had direct influence on Malaysian cuisine with local food being a mixture of many elements. It’s no wonder then that the name of one of the most popular dishes ‘rojak’ is also slang for a haphazard mixture of things! As a result of all these influences, wherever you choose to go ashore there seems to be no limit when it comes to the variety and abundance of food you can get here.
Indian Ocean - Malaysia
Useful Information
Sailing Conditions...
- Tide waters 5ft range
- October to April NW winds
- December to February wettest months
Local Information...
- Currency - The Rupee
- Language - French
- Time Zone - GMT + 4
Local Activities...
- St. Anne National Marine Park
- Scuba Diving
ABOUT THE SEYCHELLES
The Seychelles is an archipelago scattered across the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Often referred to as the original Garden of Eden, with soft, sand beaches, fantastic coral reefs and soaring mountains the Seychelles is the perfect setting for a tropical yachting holiday.
Lying just under 1000 miles east of Kenya, 1700 miles southwest of India and 560 miles northeast of Madagascar, these 115 islands, of which 76 are coralline and the remaining granitic, enjoy a favourable climate in a zone free from cyclones. The coralline islands are low lying, averaging 1.5 metres above sea level while in contrast the granitic islands rise from the sea to altitudes of 600 to 1000m.
The islands possess some of the world's rarest flora and fauna and half of their landmass is protected in reserves and World Heritage Sites. Surface streams provide fresh water and as such most islands are covered in luxuriant and verdant vegetation. White sandy beaches surrounding the islands are a natural feature of the Seychelles and one of the main reasons sailors cast off and head for this stunning area.
With spectacular scenery above and below the warm tropical waters, wonderful walking, superb sailing and world class fishing, these remote islands offer a rich diversity for sailors.
Indian Ocean - Seychelles
Useful Information
Sailing Conditions...
- May to September SW season ideal for sailing
- Winds, calm seas, sunshine
- At dusk wind dies
Local Information...
- Currency - Dong
- Language - Vietnamese
- Time Zone - GMT + 7
- Visa required
Local Activities...
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Diving
ABOUT VIETNAM
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is the most easterly country of the Mekong region, bordering China to the north, Laos along its western border and Cambodia in the southwest. Its eastern border is coastal where the country’s rivers empty into the South China Sea and ultimately the Pacific Ocean.
One of the most beautiful and unspoilt countries in Asia, Vietnam is a land of stunning coastline, paddy fields, mountainous jungle, ancient monuments and exciting cities. For many, Vietnam conjures up images of American wartime films, conical hats, rice paddies and the image of a colonial past. For the visitor, Vietnam offers a rich and varied cultural history combined with the charm of a country still in the early stages of development.
Providing great diversity from its thousand years of Chinese rule to the still evident French-colonial period, a visit to Vietnam exceeds all expectations. With 2,000 miles of unspoilt sandy coastline, the Southern Delta region houses numerous hills of dense jungle and a unique mountainous region populated by over 50 ethnic minorities. Relatively new to international tourism, Vietnam has a unique friendliness and style that offers a genuine welcome coupled with the chance to explore a corner of the Far East that remains relatively untouched by tourism. Take the opportunity to discover a country that has quietly emerged from the shadows before it changes forever.
Indian Ocean - Vietnam
Useful Information
SAILING IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC
The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest of the world's four oceans, covering more than a third of the earth's surface and containing more than half of its free water. Divided into the North and South Pacific by the equator, the south contains the majority of this ocean’s 25,000 islands (more than the total number in the rest of the world's oceans combined). Collectively called Oceania the islands are split into three main groups: Melanesia (black islands) – including New Guinea and Fiji, Micronesia (small islands) – including Guam, and Polynesia (many islands) – including New Zealand, Hawaii and French Polynesia to name but a few.
Europeans discovered the ocean early in the 16th century and a steady trail of explorers sailed theses waters in the years to follow. As a result of the subsequent contact with Europeans, many local inhabitants were involved in exporting such goods as whale oil, seal skins, sandalwood, pearls, cotton and coconut oil, all influencing the rise of local port towns and eventually the development of facilities attracting yachting enthusiasts.
Discount Sailing Holidays offers sailing holidays in both the Whitsundays, Australia and French Polynesia. Both destinations are exceptionally different, but both guarantee stunning sailing, breathtaking beaches, warm waters and an unforgettable experience.
South Pacific
Sailing Conditions...
- April to October sunny, easterly trade winds
- July to August windiest months
- December to February some tropical rainfall
Local Information...
- Currency - Pacific Francs, US Dollar or Euro
- Language - French
- Time Zone - GMT + 12
- Visa required
Local Activities...
- 'Tamure' dancing lessons
- June 'Heiva' celebrations
ABOUT FRENCH POLYNESIA
The islands of French Polynesia are a selection of volcanic islands and atolls strewn across the eastern South Pacific. The 118 islands were born some 20 million years ago and the total land area of the islands is equivalent to the total area of Europe.
Enjoy the archipelago’s unique culinary traditions which combine French gastronomy with Italian and Chinese influences. In a lot of areas Polynesian food is still cooked in the traditional way by wrapping it in banana leaves then burying it on top of coals in the ground, covering it and leaving the food to slow cook for hours.
These islands have allured, inspired and enamoured visitors since they were first discovered with their unique ambiance - from the warmth of the tropically scented air to the fiery sunsets, the Tahitian welcome is still the same as it has always been; warm, friendly and genuine.
S.P. - French Polynesia
Useful Information
Sailing Conditions...
- Sheltered by Great Barrier Reef
- Smooth seas
- Line of sight navigation
Local Information...
- Currency - Australian Dollar
- Language - English
- Time Zone - GMT + 10
- Visa required
Local Activities...
- Scuba diving & snorkelling
- Whitehaven beach
ABOUT AUSTRALIA
Australia is a land of the unexpected. Of vast size, amazing natural wealth, spectacular scenery and exotic plant and animal life. Endless, unspoilt beaches – Australia boasts over 7,000 - tropical rainforests, mountain ranges and vast desert make Australia a country of contrast.
The sixth largest country in the world, Australia is about the same size as the 48 mainland states of the USA and 50% larger than Europe, but has the lowest population density in the world - only two people per square kilometre.
Australia's climate and the fact that it is the driest continent on earth makes it a fabulous holiday destination all year round, whatever you're planning to do. In the Australian winter you can ski in the southern states one day and be sailing in the balmy waters of the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland the next. Such temperate conditions make al fresco dining, sublime days on the water and a huge variety of sports a way of life.
S.P. - Australia
Useful Information
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